For decades, agriculture has been largely perceived as a male-dominated field. However, recent trends indicate a significant shift, particularly in higher education and research. According to the latest data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), women now make up a substantial portion of students pursuing agricultural degrees. During the 2023-24 academic year, female participation stood at 46% in undergraduate programmes, 49.5% in postgraduate courses, and an impressive 53.4% in PhD programmes. These numbers highlight a changing landscape where more women are stepping into agricultural research and leadership roles.
Breaking Traditional Barriers
The steady increase in female enrolment in agricultural education is actively challenging long-standing gender roles in the sector. States like Bihar, Kerala, and Rajasthan have made notable contributions to this shift, collectively accounting for over 50% of female undergraduate students. This rise suggests that more women are seeing a future for themselves in agricultural sciences, a domain previously dominated by men.
Seema Jaggi, Assistant Director General, Human Resource Development, ICAR, believes this change is about more than just academic participation. “To address this, targeted measures are needed to ensure all regions benefit from increased participation in agricultural education. Challenges remain in helping women complete their degrees and step into leadership roles. Expanding financial incentives and scholarships is vital, with tailored outreach for regions with lower enrolment and collaboration with local stakeholders.
Agricultural institutions should incorporate gender-sensitive curricula and inclusive teaching methods to promote diversity in research,” she says. The growing number of women enrolling in PhD programmes suggests a future where female researchers will play a key role in developing modern farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, and innovative solutions to industry challenges.
The Need for Greater Regional Inclusivity
Despite the progress, disparities remain across different regions of India. While states like Bihar and Kerala have witnessed strong female enrolment, others, such as Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and several northeastern states, are still lagging behind. The reasons for these gaps are complex, often rooted in cultural norms, lack of infrastructure, and financial constraints.
Targeted interventions are necessary to ensure that more women from these underrepresented regions can pursue higher education in agriculture. Challenges remain in helping women not only enroll in these programmes but also complete their degrees and transition into leadership roles. To bridge this gap, there is a pressing need for better outreach initiatives, local policy support, and flexible educational options that cater to the needs of female students from diverse backgrounds.
Institutional Support and Policy Measures
A combination of robust mentorship programmes, career counselling, and financial support has played a key role in increasing female participation. The ICAR, through various scholarship schemes, has aimed to create a merit-based environment where young women can compete on equal footing. RC Agrawal, Deputy Director General, Agricultural Education, ICAR, notes that these efforts have had a tangible impact. “Our policy initiatives have fostered a merit-based environment, ensuring that talented young women from diverse backgrounds can compete on an equal footing. The scholarship schemes have not only eased financial constraints but have also contributed to a noticeable improvement in academic excellence,” he explains.
Moreover, local administrative support has played a crucial role in regions like Bihar, Kerala, and Rajasthan, where higher participation rates can be linked to regional education policies and community-driven initiatives. One major challenge in agricultural education has been the logistical difficulties faced by universities located in rural areas. To counter this, ICAR has taken steps to improve residential facilities for female students. Of the 245 hostels under its administration, 140 are dedicated exclusively to women. Over the past decade, investments in better living conditions have contributed to increased retention rates of female students in research programmes.
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Beyond Academia: The Challenges of Fieldwork
While the rise in female enrolment is encouraging, the agricultural sector continues to present challenges for women beyond academic settings. Bhoomika Behal, a marketing specialist at Savannah Seeds, points out that while the academic environment has become more welcoming, practical experiences remain difficult. “The academic environment has improved for women, but when it comes to fieldwork and practical exposure, the challenges persist. Pay scales, field experience, and overall recognition still tend to favour men.
There’s a disparity between what is achieved in academia and the opportunities available in practice. Structural barriers, cultural biases, and the need for targeted career support remain pressing issues. Expanding financial incentives, enhancing mentorship programmes, and implementing flexible learning options are essential steps to ensure that the academic gains translate into tangible improvements in workplace equity and leadership roles.” she observes.
Women in agricultural research often face additional hurdles when it comes to fieldwork, which remains a physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated area. Gender biases, safety concerns, and fewer professional growth opportunities continue to create barriers. Addressing these issues will require a more structured approach, including policy changes, industry mentorship, and better representation of women in leadership roles.
Shifting Trends in Agricultural Academia and Ensuring Lasting Change
While the rising numbers of female students in agricultural education indicate progress, true gender parity remains a work in progress. Structural barriers, cultural biases, and limited career support still affect women’s ability to transition from academia into influential roles within the industry. Expanding financial aid, enhancing mentorship networks, and offering flexible learning options are essential to ensuring that academic achievements translate into real-world opportunities. There is a need for sustained efforts to maintain this momentum. It’s not just about increasing enrolment; we need to focus on what happens after graduation. Women need better access to leadership positions, research funding, and decision-making roles in agriculture.
The increasing presence of women in agricultural research marks a significant change, but the sector must continue evolving to provide equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership. By addressing regional disparities, improving fieldwork conditions, and ensuring long-term professional growth, India can pave the way for a more inclusive agricultural sector where women contribute meaningfully at every level.
